Welcome to the Great Lake State, where adventure awaits! Michigan has so much natural beauty, cultural richness, and most importantly, tons of thrilling activities for you to do!
Let me take you on a journey through the best things to do in Michigan, from exploring the stunning shores of the Great Lakes to attending unique festivals and experiencing the wonders of this diverse state. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking adventure, Michigan has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags, and let’s get this journey started! Here are 17 adventurous activities to do in Michigan:
1. Experience the Great Lakes!
Known as the Great Lake State, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful and impressive waters in the country. If you have the time, I’d recommend taking two or three days to check out all four of the great lakes, but if you just want to shoot for one or two, here are some highlights of each to help you decide which is the best fit for your trip!
| Lake | Lake Information |
|---|---|
| Lake Michigan | Covering the entirety of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Lake Michigan is a sight to behold. Running the perimeter of this giant lake are diverse beaches including sand dunes, rocky shores, gorgeous sandy beaches, and more. You can swim in Lake Michigan but be advised that there can be strong rip currents here and the bottom of the lake has some unexpected drop-offs. |
| Lake Superior | Located in Michigan’s upper peninsula, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world! Lighthouses, plenty of family-friendly beaches, and nearby parks make this lake a fun choice for group outings. Lake Superior is great for swimming, paddleboard, fishing and more, but the weather can change rapidly in many parts of the shoreline, so it’s important to check the weather before planning your day. |
| Lake Huron | Conditions vary greatly from beach to beach along Lake Huron. Oscoda Beach Park is a great option for swimming, hiking, and lying in the sand, while other beaches are rocky with rough rip tides and are not very accessible. Given the nickname “the freshwater sea,” it’s worth visiting for the impressive size and views even if you’re not in an area well-suited for playing in the water or on the shore. |
| Lake Eerie | The smallest and shallowest of the great lakes, Lake Eerie makes up for its size in its beauty and the massive number of nearby attractions such as Cedar Point Amusement Park, Niagara Falls, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Lake Eerie and the surrounding area is generally less crowded, which allows for wonderful birdwatching, exploring caves, and easy entrance into local wine tastings and great hole-in-the-wall restaurants! |
2. Go camping!
Michigan is one of the few places you actually never feel the need to escape the people; they’re friendly, helpful, hospitable, and never let you leave their home without a square of fudge and a handshake. But it’s also one of the few places you can still feel truly alone and one with nature. If you’re hoping to take advantage of that on your trip, camping is an excellent choice and Michigan has no shortage of beautiful sites to experience! You can’t go wrong getting out into any section of Michigan woods, but here are a few favorites:
- Camp in Paradise – Paradise is home to Tahquamenon Falls State Park which offers campgrounds for visitors who want to check out the nearby waterfalls, many lakes, and over 40 miles worth of hiking!
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Take in the amazing views of the iconic Pictured Rocks by staying at one of the three drive-in campgrounds available at this site!
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Options to camp on the Manitou Island beaches, next to rivers, in rustic camps near Lake Michigan, or in beautiful meadows!
3. Take a ferry to Mackinac Island!
Mackinac Island is a must-stop when visiting Michigan! It’s an amazing choice for individuals, couples, or families; here you can experience carriage rides, amazing geological formations, incredible views, good eats, and more!
I’d recommend hopping on the Shepler’s Ferry which has been bringing people to the island for over seventy-five years and provides friendly, quality service! Now, what should you do when you arrive? Well, there’s an abundance of options, but here are the main attractions you definitely don’t want to miss:
- Try the famous Mackinac fudge!
- Check out the iconic Arch Rock!
- Explore Fort Mackinac!
- Visit the Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory!
- See the lilacs in bloom in Marquette Park!
4. Attend a Unique Festival!
Michigan is full of unique sites, history, fun characters and activities. It’s a state that finds a way to show appreciation for everything it has from conserving its land to keeping its waters crystal clear to celebrating some of the things that make Michigan a one-of-a-kind place to be! Check out one of these unique Michigan festivals to celebrate Michigan history, culture, and love for a good time!
- Lumberjack festival – A two-day event held in Farwell, MI the last weekend of every July celebrating all things lumberjack! There’s chainsaw carving, pie-eating contests, even barrel train rides for the kiddos!
- Fudge Festival – Celebrate the world-famous Mackinac fudge with an entire week of festivities on Mackinac Island! Make your own fudge, try a fudge flight, go on a fudge treasure hunt! Check this site for updated schedules: https://www.mackinacisland.org/mackinac-island-fudge-festival-2/.
- Ice Festival – Check out charming downtown Plymouth, MI’s annual ice festival where carvers from across the globe come to show off their skills and line the sidewalks with their incredible sculptures! Visit this site for updated schedules: https://plymouthicefestival.com/.
5. Visit Pictured Rocks!
The crème de la crème of natural beauty, Pictured Rocks, is an awe-inspiring site. Sandstone cliffs curve around the edges of Lake Superior to form the beautiful and colorfully striated Pictured Rocks. You can kayak out on the glistening water to get an up-close look or visit one of the stunning overlooks to take in a broader view.
Stretching 42 miles, Pictured Rocks offers plenty of options to get different perspectives of the amazing formations and colors. There are many nearby activities to enjoy as well such as hiking, camping, and biking. I’d recommend stopping by the visitor center in Munising before going out to get information about the parks, safety tips and tour options!
6. Take A Tour of Detroit
Michigan is such a diverse state; while it has plenty to do in the great outdoors, there’s also a ton to experience in the city! Detroit is such an interesting city and with so much to explore, you may want to take it all in through one of their tours! Below are few I’d recommend checking out:
| Tour Company | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation Detroit Walking Tour | Nonprofit organization Provides in-depth information about Detroit’s history, architecture, and culture |
$15 for members $18 for non-members |
| Antique Touring Company | Choose from four historic tours led in antique, Detroit-made automobiles! | Check this site for updated individual and group prices: https://www.antiquetouring.com/tours |
| Motor City Ghost Tour | Enjoy an evening of history and fun frights! Visit multiple sites including the Alhambra thought to be haunted by Motor City ghosts! | $25 per person |
7. Catch a Lions Game at Ford Field!
If you like sports or enjoy good food and a festive/immersive sports atmosphere, you’ll want to stop by Ford Field to take in a Lions baseball game!
Tips:
- The Greektown Casino hotel is a really convenient option for lodging!
- The Eldwood Bar & Grill is a great choice for good eats nearby!
- Plan ahead; tickets can sell out fast depending on the season!
- Check out the Gem & Century Theatres while you’re in the area!
8. Hit the Eastern Market!
The Eastern Market, located just a half mile from downtown Detroit, takes farmer’s markets to a whole new level. Travelers come from across the globe to experience the largest open-air market in the United States that has been functioning for over 130 years!
Coming here is the best way to experience the local cuisine; this market has hundreds of vendors serving fresh bakes, locally grown fruits and veggies, meat and home-made sweet and savory treats. There are many events held at this venue including concerts and art shows as well.
Please note before you go that on any given weekend day, the market may be bustling with over 40,000 visitors, so going early and preparing mentally for possible long wait times is advised.
9. Get to the Museums
Check out some Michigan history and culture by visiting one of their amazing museums! Here are a few options I’d recommend hitting:
| Museum | Address | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Historical Museum | 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202 | Discover 300 years’ worth of fascinating Detroit history with exhibits such as the Gallery of Innovation, Motor City Music and more! | Open Wed.-Sat. 10-5 & Sun. 1-5 |
| Gerald Ford Museum | 303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504 | Dig deep into the lives of Gerald and Betty Ford, the Ford presidency and unique feature exhibits highlighting election and presidential history! | Open Mon-Sat. 10-5 & Sun. 12-5 |
| Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum | 18335 N Whitefish Point Rd, Paradise, MI, 49768 | Within the walls of the charming Whitefish Point Light Station visitors learn about the dangers of boat transportation and the shipwrecks that occurred on the Great Lakes. | Open May 1 – Oct. 1 daily from 9-5 |
10. Visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Location: 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI, 49768
Don’t be fooled by the name into thinking this site is only boasting a waterfall; the Tahquamenon Falls State Park is 50,000 acres of natural beauty and adventure!
- Visit the upper falls to see the rushing water going down a 50-foot drop
- Take a rowboat out to an island to check out the five waterfalls that make up the lower falls
- Hike the North Country trail – 16 miles of beautiful views!
- Stop by the Fact Shack visitor center to learn more about the park and efforts to preserve it
11. Take a Dune Ride at Silverlake!
With 450 acres of dunes, Silverlake State Park is a whole day of fun and adventure! Visitors come from all over the country to ride the dunes, and you can too! You can bring your own vehicle, or you can rent a vehicle through Silverlake Buggies.
If you’re bringing your own vehicle into the park, check this MI government site to ensure your vehicle meets all requirements.
12. Windmill Island Gardens
Experience the rich Dutch heritage of Holland, Michigan by visiting the Windmill Island Gardens! Here you can explore the last working windmill that ever left the Netherlands, an antique carousel, a man-made “tulip grove” carved from oak trees, and charming walking trails.
Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for kiddos.
Tip: Check out the Tulip Time Festival to see large fields and beds of gorgeous tulips and partake in fun activities! Check the City of Hollan site for the most updated dates and times here.
13. Go Ziplining
There’s nothing better than getting a bird’s eye view of stunning greenery, mountains, rivers and lakes! Check out one of these awesome zipline adventures to experience Michigan from up above:
| Park/Adventure | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon Luge Park | Great for those looking to pair ziplining with other adventure! Take in the view of Muskegon State Park, then enjoy some archery, rock climbing, hiking and more! | Prices range from $45-$64 |
| Mount Holiday Zipline Adventure | Great for thrill seekers! Get up to 30mph and fly through the trees! | $45/person |
| TreeRunner Adventure Park | This is a perfect choice for groups with varying abilities/interests! Multiple courses with different intensity levels that are fun for the whole family! | Prices vary by course and group size |
See the 14 Best Ziplines in Michigan for Thrill Seekers in our related post here.
14. Go on a Parasailing Adventure
Experience the magic of Michigan waters by flying over them in a parasailing adventure! Parasailing is an exciting way to see the Great Lake State in all its glory. I would recommend checking out Mackinaw Parasailing to take in views of Mackinaw City, the iconic Mackinac Island and St. Ignace or try Grand Traverse Parasail to soar over the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay!
15. iFly Detroit Indoor Skydiving
Location: 26975 Adell Center Drive, Novi, MI 48375
Jump into one of the iFly Detroit Indoor Skydiving vertical wind tunnels and experience the thrill of indoor skydiving! If going with a group, I’d recommend booking ahead by at least a couple of weeks since their group slots can fill up fast.
16. Whitewater Rafting in the Menominee River
Winding through northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula into Lake Michigan, the 116-mile Menominee River is a perfect choice for whitewater rafting. This river has high-speed rapids, but gentle sections as well which allow guests to catch their breath and take in the beautiful surroundings.
I’d highly recommend booking a trip with Wildman Adventure for a safe, exciting adventure of a lifetime! Wildman Adventure raft guides will lead groups over large rapids, past gorgeous cliffsides, into calm sections of water where folks can even hop out of the raft and take a quick swim!
Cost is $58 Mon-Thurs and $65 Fri-Sun. They generally operate April-October, and each rafting trip takes about 3-4 hours.
17. Visit the Manitou Islands by Ferry
Part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Manitou Islands are an amazing place for outdoor recreation. North Manitou Island is a peaceful place where visitors can relax on uncrowded, primitive beaches, explore old ghost towns, birdwatch, and discover undisturbed unique plant life.
South Manitou Island offers pebble beaches, lighthouses, sand dunes and massive cedar trees. Visitors can take the Manitou Island ferry to get to the islands. You can book your transportation and see various schedules for day trips or camping options through the Manitou Island Transit site here: https://manitoutransit.com/
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!